Dana White: Brock Lesnar was never close to re-signing with UFC

The way things were unfolding in the Brock Lesnar sweepstakes, a lot of folks in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world -- as well as the pro wrestling universe -- were led to believe the former UFC heavyweight champion's decision to stay with WWE came after intense negotiations from both sides.

Apparently not.

Lesnar was "not very close at all" to re-upping with UFC, promotion president Dana White told radio host Chad Dukes on 106.7 The Fan on Thursday (via MMA Fighting).

"We'd known that Brock was probably going to take a pass and go back to wrestling," he continued. "Which was the right move. You know, Brock came in here, he did incredible things and he got a great deal from Vince (McMahon). He's 38 years old, man. It makes all the sense in the world."

Probably why Lorenzo Fertitta had to double the money during his final offer.

Lesnar may have been using the tease of a UFC return to drive up his asking price at WWE. In fact, he even went as far as attending the recent UFC 184 pay-per-view (PPV) event (wearing the greatest suit of all time) prior to his appearance at WrestleMania -- which we can now say will no longer be his last.

Maybe he can tag team with Ronda Rousey in 2016.